Education in Denmark

Last updated

Education in Denmark is compulsory (Danish : undervisningspligt) for children below the age of 15 or 16, even though it is not compulsory to attend Folkeskole ("public school"). The school years up to the age of fifteen/sixteen are known as Folkeskole, since any education has to match the level offered there. About 82% of young people take further education in addition to this. [1] Government-funded education is usually free of charge and open to all. Denmark has a tradition of private schools and about 15.6% of all children at basic school level attend private schools, which are supported by a voucher system. [2] [3]

Contents

The Education Index, published with the UN's Human Development Index in 2008, based on data from 2013, lists Denmark as 0.873, amongst the highest in the world, beneath Australia, Finland and New Zealand. [4]

Literacy in Denmark is approximately 99% for both men and women. [5]

History

The Danish education system has its origin in the cathedral and monastery schools established by the Roman Catholic Church in the early Middle Ages, and seven of the schools established in the 12th and 13th centuries still exist today. After the Reformation, which was officially implemented in 1536, the schools were taken over by the Crown. Their main purpose was to prepare the students for theological studies by teaching them to read, write and speak Latin and Greek. [6]

Popular elementary education was at that time still very primitive, but in 1721, 240 rytterskoler ("cavalry schools") were established throughout the kingdom. Moreover, the religious movement of Pietism, spreading in the 18th century, required some level of literacy, thereby promoting the need for public education. The philanthropic thoughts of such people as Rousseau also helped spur developments in education open to all children.

In 1809, the old Clergyman's School was transformed in accordance with the spirit of the time into a humanistic Civil Servant's School which was to "foster true humanity" through immersion in the ancient Greek and Latin cultures combined with some teaching of natural science and modern languages.

Throughout the 19th century (and even up until today), the Danish education system was especially influenced by the ideas of clergyman, politician and poet N. F. S. Grundtvig, who advocated inspiring methods of teaching and the foundation of folk high schools.

In 1871, the scientific and technical development of the 19th century led to a division of the secondary education into two lines: the languages and the mathematics-science line. This division was the backbone of the structure of the Gymnasium (i.e. academic general upper secondary education programme) until the year 2005.

In 1894, the Folkeskole ("public school", the government-funded primary education system) was formally established (until then, it had been known as Almueskolen ("common school")), and measures were taken to improve the education system to meet the requirements of industrial society.

In 1903, the 3-year course of the Gymnasium was directly connected the municipal school through the establishment of the mellemskole ('middle school', grades 6–9), which was later on replaced by the realskole . Previously, students wanting to go to the Gymnasium (and thereby obtain qualification for admission to university) had to take private tuition or similar means as the municipal schools were insufficient.

In 1975, the realskole was abandoned and the Folkeskole (primary education) transformed into an egalitarian system where pupils go to the same schools regardless of their academic merits.

Recently, some political parties (e.g. Social Democrats and Liberal Alliance) have advocated extending the time of compulsory education from nine to twelve years. [7]

Compulsory education

The folkeskole (English: people's school) covers the entire period of compulsory education, from the age of 5 - 6 to 15 - 16, encompassing pre-school, primary and lower secondary education. [8]

Secondary education

Secondary education usually takes two to four years and is attended by students between the ages of 15 - 16 and 18 - 19. Secondary education is not compulsory, but usually free of charge, and students have a wide range of programmes to choose from. Some education programmes are academically oriented, the most common being the Gymnasium . Others are more practically oriented, training students for jobs as e.g. artisans or clerks through a combination of instruction in vocational schools and apprenticeship. In Denmark students have three attempts to finish their secondary education; from there on they are left on their own. If they wish to continue from here on, they are allowed to get an education but no longer with any economic support from the government.

Post-secondary education

Higher education in Denmark can take place at a number of different institutions that offer educations of different types. Only universities offer education at the master level, while university colleges offer certain bachelor degrees, but may collaborate with a university to offer a master level degree (such as the MA in Journalism at Aarhus University being a collaboration with the Danish School of Media and Journalism. [9] Bachelor degree are either academic bachelor degrees at universities or professional bachelor degrees at university colleges (Danish: professionsbacheloruddannelse), but universities may also offer professional bachelor degrees, and for instance, you can take the education to become a social worker at Aalborg University. [10]

Business academies

Business academies (Danish: Erhvervsakademi) offer two-year academy profession programmes; some business academies also offer professional bachelor programmes, further adult education and diploma programmes. [11]

Maritime educational institutions

The maritime education institutions offer study programmes for the Danish merchant fleet and the fishing industry. [12]

University colleges

Danish university colleges (Danish : professionshøjskoler) offer profession specific tertiary education, also known as medium higher education (MVU) and diploma courses, but do not offer university education at postgraduate level.

Institutions in architecture and art

The institutions in architecture and art offer various degree programmes within the fine arts and applied arts. [13]

Universities

The first university in Denmark, University of Copenhagen, was established in 1479.[ citation needed ] The second, University of Kiel in Schleswig-Holstein, was established in 1665. When Schleswig-Holstein was conquered by German forces in 1864, the University of Copenhagen was once again the only university in the Kingdom of Denmark and remained so until 1928 when the Aarhus University was founded. Since then, more universities have been established, and Denmark now has eight universities.

Higher education in Denmark is free for students from the European Union and Switzerland. [14] Many programmes are taught in English, including Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, exchange, and summer school programmes. [15]

Tuition and financial aid system

Almost all educational institutes in Denmark are free. This tuition-fee-less system applies to all students who:

Not only are students charged no tuition fees, but all Danish citizens over 18 (and many others meeting certain criteria) are offered monthly financial aid, known as "SU" (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte, meaning State Educational Support), amounting for each student to about DKK 950 monthly if the student lives with their parents or guardians, and they have high incomes, and about DKK 5,486 monthly if the student lives away from their parents or guardians. [16] Students can supplement the SU with low-interest government loans amounting to DKK 2,807 per month, which must be paid back upon the completion of their education. [17]

Academic freedom

Wright and Ørberg (2008) came to a critical conclusion on the Danish system of higher education: "The Danish model combines the worst of both the free trade and the modernising state models of autonomy: universities, their leaders and academics are given freedom in the sense of individual responsibility for their own economic survival, whilst the sector comes under heavy political control. This is called "setting universities free"." [18] In a 2017 comparative study on academic freedom in the universities of 28 European Union members, Denmark ranks only 24th. [19] In all categories (academic freedom in legislation; institutional autonomy in legislation; self-governance in legislation; job security; constitution and international agreements), Denmark ranked below the EU average. The authors of the study argue that the restrictions on academic freedom in Denmark would, in most other EU states, be considered draconian.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in the Netherlands</span> Overview of education in the Netherlands

Education in the Netherlands is characterized by division: education is oriented toward the needs and background of the pupil. Education is divided over schools for different age groups, some of which are divided in streams for different educational levels. Schools are furthermore divided in public, special (religious), and general-special (neutral) schools, although there are also a few private schools. The Dutch grading scale runs from 1 to 10 (outstanding).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gymnasium (school)</span> Type of school providing advanced secondary education in Europe

Gymnasium is a term in various European languages for a secondary school that prepares students for higher education at a university. It is comparable to the US English term preparatory high school or the British term grammar school. Before the 20th century, the gymnasium system was a widespread feature of educational systems throughout many European countries.

Higher education in Denmark is offered by a range of universities, university colleges, business academies and specialised institutions. The national higher education system is in accordance with the Bologna Process, with bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral degrees. The majority of higher education institutions are the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science; however, some higher education institutions within the arts are the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture.

Education in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter with each of the countries of the United Kingdom having separate systems under separate governments. The UK Government is responsible for England, whilst the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are responsible for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Finland</span> Overview of education in Finland

The educational system in Finland consists of daycare programmes, a one-year "preschool", and an 11-year compulsory basic comprehensive school. Nowadays secondary general academic and vocational education, higher education and adult education are compulsory.

Free education is education funded through government spending or charitable organizations rather than tuition funding. Many models of free higher education have been proposed. Primary school and other comprehensive or compulsory education is free in many countries. Tertiary education is also free in certain countries, including post-graduate studies in the Nordic countries. The Article 13 of International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights ensures the right to free education at primary education and progressive introduction of it at secondary and higher education as the right to education.

The folkeskole is a type of school in Denmark covering the entire period of compulsory education, from the age of 6 to 16, encompassing pre-school, primary and lower secondary education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Hungary</span> Overview of education in Hungary

The educational system in Hungary is predominantly public, run by the Ministry of Human Resources. Preschool kindergarten education is compulsory and provided for all children between three and six years old, after which school attendance is also compulsory until age of sixteen. Primary education usually lasts for eight years. Secondary education includes three traditional types of schools focused on different academic levels: the Gymnasium enrols the most gifted children and prepares students for university studies; the secondary vocational schools for intermediate students lasts four years and the technical school prepares pupils for vocational education and the world of work. The system is partly flexible and bridges exist, graduates from a vocational school can achieve a two years program to have access to vocational higher education for instance. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) rated 13–14-year-old pupils in Hungary among the best in the world for maths and science.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in Belgium</span> Overview of education in Belgium

Education in Belgium is regulated and for the most part financed by one of the three communities: Flemish, French and German-speaking. Each community has its own school system, with small differences among them. The federal government plays a very small role: it decides directly the age for mandatory schooling and indirectly the financing of the communities.

Education in Norway is mandatory for all children aged from 6 to 16. Schools are typically divided into two divisions: primary and lower secondary schooling. The majority of schools in Norway are municipal, where local governments fund and manage administration. Primary and lower secondary schools are available free of charge for all Norwegian citizens as a given right.

The system of education in Iceland is divided in four levels: playschool, compulsory, upper secondary and higher, and is similar to that of other Nordic countries. Education is mandatory for children aged 6–16. Most institutions are funded by the state; there are very few private schools in the country. Iceland is a country with gymnasia.

Vocational secondary education in Denmark takes place at special state-funded vocational schools (erhvervsskoler), most of which are either technical schools or business colleges (handelsskoler). The creation of vocational training began as early as the 1400s, but wasn't fully established until 1875 when Denmark passed legislation that would allow for the use of government grants towards technical and training schools. Vocational training schools are jointly run by business and trade associations, such as unions who hope to create a form of stream-lined training into the labour force. Through a combination of teaching in vocational schools and apprenticeship, mostly in private companies, students are trained for work in eight specific fields which include: construction, commerce, metal, agriculture, transportation, food, service, and media.

VIA University College is a university college organisation in Central Denmark Region, Denmark, established in January 2008. It is present in the region with a total of eight campuses.

Academic ranks in Denmark are the positions and titles of professors, researchers, and administrative personnel held in academia at Danish institutions, and the relations between them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Education in the Faroe Islands</span>

The levels of education in the Faroe Islands are primary, secondary and higher education. Most institutions are funded by the state; there are few private schools in the country. Education is compulsory for 9 years between the ages of 7 and 16.

Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College, usually referred to simply as Niels Brock, is a school of secondary education and post-secondary education in Copenhagen, Denmark. The school offers programmes within business and management including Vocational Education and Training (VET), Higher Commercial Examination Programme (HHX), Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in International Business Management, Master of Business Administration, and supplementary courses for adults seeking to maintain qualifications. It is an independent self-governing institution under the Danish education system, managed by a board composed of members from the business community in conjunction with a rector that oversees day-to-day operations.

Danish Students Abroad (DSA) is a non-profit and membership based interest organization. DSA works to advise and represent its Danish students before, during and after their educational stay abroad.

The Danish educational ceiling is a repealed Danish rule limiting access to multiple higher educations in order to avoid double education.

Romeo V. Turcan is a professor at Aalborg University Business School. His research interests include creation and legitimation of new sectors and new organizations; Late-globalization, de-globalization, de-internationalization; Bubbles, collective behavior; High impact international entrepreneurship; and Cross-disciplinary theory building.

Liv Hornekær is a Danish experimental physicist who works in nanotechnology and astrochemical research.

References

  1. ↑ "S ønsker mindst 12 års skolegang". Archived from the original on 2012-10-19. Retrieved 2007-09-01.
  2. ↑ "Bølge av private skoler". Klassekampen.no. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  3. ↑ "The Case For School Choice: Denmark". Oldfraser.lexi.net. Archived from the original on 2012-03-02.
  4. ↑ "Human development indices" (PDF). Human Development Reports. 2008-12-18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-12-19. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
  5. ↑ "The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency". Cia.gov. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  6. ↑ Vagn Skovgaard-Petersen, "Forty years of research into the history of education in Denmark." Scandinavian journal of educational research 41.3-4 (1997): 319-331.
  7. ↑ "Netavisen 180Grader". 28 September 2007. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  8. ↑ "Folkeskoleloven - Bekendtgørelse af lov om folkeskolen". Retsinformation.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  9. ↑ "Kandidatuddannelsen i Journalistik (cand.public.)". kandidat.au.dk (in Danish). Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  10. ↑ "Socialrådgiver". www.aau.dk. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  11. ↑ "Business academies — Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet". Ufm.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  12. ↑ "Maritime educational institutions — Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet". Ufm.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  13. ↑ "Institutions in architecture and art — Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet". Ufm.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  14. ↑ Warren, Katie (15 June 2018). "Here's what college costs in 28 countries around the world". Insider. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
  15. ↑ "Study in Denmark, official government website on international higher education in Denmark". Studyindenmark.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  16. ↑ "SU rates 2013-2015". Su.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  17. ↑ "SU loan rates 2016". Su.dk. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  18. ↑ Wright, S., and J. Ørberg.2008."Autonomy and Control: Danish University Reform in the Context of Modern Governance."Learning and Teaching: The International Journal of Higher Education in the Social Sciences,1 (1): 27–57.
  19. ↑ Terence Karran, Klaus Beiter & Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua (2017) Measuringacademic freedom in Europe: a criterion referenced approach, Policy Reviews in Higher Education,1:2, 209-239, DOI: 10.1080/23322969.2017.1307093

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.